A Decade On: The Enduring Legacy of The People v. O.J. Simpson
It has now been ten years since the premiere of a television drama that captivated audiences worldwide and secured its place as a defining moment in modern TV history. In 2016, American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson burst onto screens, dramatising what many consider the most famous trial of the 1990s.
The Trial That Captivated a Nation
The series, created by Ryan Murphy alongside screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski, focused on the trial of former professional footballer O.J. Simpson. Simpson was tried for the murders of his ex-wife, Nicole Brown, and her friend, Ron Goldman. Although he was acquitted of all criminal charges in 1995, the case left a lasting cloud of intrigue and public fascination that persisted for decades, even beyond Simpson's death in 2024.
The show masterfully blended high drama with gritty realism, exploring not just the courtroom proceedings but the complex racial dynamics of the era and the profound influence the case had on the American legal system and global consciousness.
Critical and Commercial Triumph
The People v. O.J. Simpson was an instant sensation. It became the most-watched drama series in FX network history at the time, drawing millions of viewers. Critically, it was a rare unanimous success, achieving a 97% critics score and a 94% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes.
The series was celebrated for its stellar ensemble cast, which brought the real-life figures to life with remarkable depth:
- Sarah Paulson and Sterling K. Brown as prosecutors Marcia Clark and Christopher Darden.
- John Travolta and Courtney B. Vance as defence lawyers Robert Shapiro and Johnnie Cochran.
- David Schwimmer as O.J.'s close friend, Rob Kardashian.
- Cuba Gooding Jr. in the central role of the disgraced athlete, O.J. Simpson.
Its trophy cabinet quickly filled, with the show winning nine Emmy Awards and two Golden Globes, and it featured prominently on all major 'Best of 2016' television lists.
Life After the Trial
The drama also prompted viewers to revisit what happened to O.J. Simpson after the trial. Although cleared of murder, Simpson's life remained turbulent. In 2008, he was sentenced to up to 33 years in prison for armed robbery and kidnapping related to a sports memorabilia incident. He was released on parole in 2017 and granted an early discharge in 2021 for good behaviour. In May 2023, he announced a prostate cancer diagnosis, passing away in April 2024 at the age of 76.
Lasting Viewer and Critical Acclaim
A decade later, the praise for the series remains effusive. Fans on social media continue to highlight its gripping narrative and outstanding performances.
"The verdict was never the end game. The show is gripping even in its slowest moments. A must-watch, even for those who think they know about the case," wrote one viewer.
"This was one of the best anthology series I have ever seen. The writing and plot were strong, but the acting was OUTSTANDING," added another.
Critics echoed this sentiment, noting the series' exceptional balance. The Spectator observed that knowing the trial's outcome made the dramatisation "even more astonishing." The Atlantic praised it as "the best vehicle thus far for bringing up complex, broader questions about American justice, without losing sight of the human toll." Meanwhile, ScreenRant reflected that it "brilliantly walks a fine line between sensationalism and dramatisation."
American Crime Story: The People v. O.J. Simpson remains available to stream, allowing new generations to experience this landmark piece of television that continues to resonate a full ten years after its debut.
